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Gentle, honest and beautifully authentic’ Julietta Henderson, author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman Arthur and Teddy have always been close, and now they must navigate first loves, heartbreak, and finding their place in their community. When 79-year-old Arthur Edwards gathers his family together to share some important news, no one is prepared for the bombshell he drops: he’s gay, and after a lifetime in the closet, he’s finally ready to come out. It is slightly on the cheesy side, but that is exactly what the intention is. It's hard hitting and thoughtful in all the right places and then cosy and heart warming where it needs to be. It is definitely reminiscent of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain, a book which I also loved.
Arthur ist vermutlich der liebste Großvater, den man nur haben kann und sein großes Herz und sein unerschütterlicher Glaube an das Gute in den Menschen haben mich wirklich sehr berührt. Sich mit 79 für ein Coming Out zu entscheiden ist eine schwere Entscheidung und ihm werden zunächst einige Steine in den Weg gelegt, aber er steht unerschütterlich für sich selbst ein und bleibt dabei immer freundlich und verständnisvoll (selbst an Stellen, bei denen ich beim Lesen am liebsten selber losgebrüllt hätte). Die Unterstützung, die er dabei von seiner (noch) Frau Madeleine erfährt und die Liebe, die die beiden einander entgegenbringen, hat mich teilweise zu Tränen gerührt. Wir alle brauchen eine Madeleine in unserem Leben - eine Person, die immer zu uns hält und immer an uns glaubt, egal was kommt. What a heartfelt story. I so enjoyed meeting and getting to know Arthur and Teddy. There’s a slightly young adult tone to the style that I think gives the book universal appeal. It’s a very easy read, even though there are some difficult topics. I’ll mention the trigger warnings below if you want to know. I did notice that at times the story went really fast, and certain things are skipped, which I thought could have been a bit better. And other times, I had the feeling some parts could have been wrapped up a bit sooner. Covering around a year of their lives, it's full of interesting twists, characters that really pull you in, and a brilliantly crafted plot. I found myself gasping more than once, laughing at some parts and feeling emotional during others. This story is hard to put down once you get going. It's also perfectly paced - I didn't feel bored at all while reading it, and every part seemed to move the story forward. The other characters add real texture. It’s so hard to judge Ben accurately, making him fascinating, and Madeleine is a complete joy. I loved the way Shakeel’s presence bubbles along so that he helps define Teddy in the reader’s mind.Arthur’s grandson Teddy also has a secret… the same secret in fact. But is he ready to take the same step as his grandad, or is one bombshell in the family enough? That’s what I mean when I say that this book makes you feel a lot of things. It makes you think and wonder, it makes you sad, happy, maybe even angry at times, but that rollercoaster of emotions is worth it. quote This story had so much potential that I want to cry because I have to DNF it. Honestly, I expected a sweet, funny, and meaningful story about this guy and his grandpa navigating coming out together and the intergenerational support and respect that the queer community desperately needs more of. History Makers: Female Writers Dominate the 2023 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award Shortlist
Thank you so much @harper_reach for this ARC of Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out in exchange for an honest review. Even Madeline, the grandma and Arthur's wife, is a trope. She's a saint. She is constantly kind, does the household, takes care of Arthur (which is sweet but also???), and is so involved in the community that it feels like the entire town is her. She's on every committee and has founded a million clubs or whatever. And because all that obviously leaves so much free time, she also cooks and bakes and generally 'keeps them fed'. Which, anyone who's ever had to keep a household running knows that that's a full-time job even with the kids long out of the house, so when does this almost 80-year-old woman sleep???This story is perfect for you if you love queer romances and are in need of a great book that you’ll finish in no time because of the writing style and story itself. Trigger warnings ⚠️
Arthur and Teddy have always been close, and now they must navigate first loves, heartbreak, and finding their place in their community. But can they – and their family – learn to accept who they truly are? About This Edition ISBN: Love gives his protagonists insightful observations and wise words: Arthur tells Teddy “Life is full of sacrifices, Teddy. We’ll make good and bad choices, but we shouldn’t let regrets define us. I’m not perfect, but I hope when I’m not here that the people I love will remember me for the good things and know I did my best for them.” A heart-warming and thought-provoking read.Covering around a year of their lives, it's full of interesting twists, characters that really pull you in, and a brilliantly crafted plot. I found myself gasping more than once, laughing at some parts and First of all, okay, not everything about this was terrible. Arthur and Madeline were very sweet and their story was (superficially) moving. I just think the author had a great idea but churned out something predictable and without any real depth or meaning. Sadly a miss from me.